Leicester and Ranieri odds-on to spend over £30m in January

Sitting just three points and two places above the relegation zone, it’s safe to say that Leicester City’s Premier League title defence could have gone better. But according to the latest odds, the Foxes are ready to put that right in January.

Alongside Everton and West Ham, Claudio Ranieri’s outfit have been repeatedly tipped up as one of the sides set to be among the busiest in next month’s window.

And after being linked with big-money movers for players including Genk star Wilfred Ndidi and Sassuolo ace Gregoire Defrel, our football traders have priced up a few specials.

At 1/5, the bookies make it seemingly a done deal that Ranieri will announce at least two new signings next month.

And at 5/6, it’s odds-on that the Foxes part company with over £30m in transfer fees.

The deal for Ndidi is reportedly all but confirmed, with the defensive midfielder set to cost the reigning Premier League champions between £15m-18m.

Leicester have won only four games this season, and the 4-2 victory over Manchester City has been the only glimpse so far of last season’s 5000/1 heroes.

Ranieri has seen his side concede 31 times already this term, just five less than they let in in last season’s campaign.

And the problems haven’t been solely at one end either.  Last season saw only Manchester City and Arsenal net more goals than the east Midlands club.

But this time around Jamie Vardy and co have mustered only 23 strikes compared to 37 at this stage last term.

And to put that into further context, Liverpool have scored 45 times this year, and second-bottom Swansea have scored 21.

So while the imminent arrival of Ndidi looks set to shore up the defensive side of Leicester’s woes, it remains to be seen who Ranieri brings in to boost his attacking options.

But according to the latest odds, the calvary is on its way next month.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing